By Danial Dzulkifly
HULU SELANGOR, May 11—The Kuala Kubu Baharu victory was the result of increased voter confidence in all voting segments towards the state and Federal administrations led by the Unity pact, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
In a brief analysis of the outcome of the polls, he said the coalition’s victory reflects three factors, including the ruling party’s success in reducing the vote share that its rival Perikatan Nasional (PN) previously received.
The win also indicates the coalition pact could capture the majority of early voters (including security forces and police) and recorded an increase in Malay support, despite PN’s misinformation and slander campaign, as the Unity pact managed to capture three Malay majority voting districts, namely Kampung Air Jernih, Pertak, and Kerling, which PN previously won.
“The growing trust of the Malay community in the Unity government, combined with strengthened support from the Chinese, Indian, and Orang Asli communities, demonstrates our understanding of the importance of unity in moving the country forward and ensuring fair representation for all citizens.
“Today’s election outcome underscores the people’s rejection of divisive politics,” Amirudin said during a press conference shortly before the official announcement of Pakatan Harapan (Harapan) candidate Pang Sock Tao’s victory.
The Selangor Harapan chairman celebrated the win alongside Selangor DAP chief Gobind Singh Deo, Selangor Barisan Nasional (BN) chief Datuk Megat Zulkarnain Omardin, and other Unity coalition leaders at Bangunan Umno Hulu Selangor tonight.
Citing the unofficial results announced at around 8.30pm, Amirudin also noted that the Unity coalition had garnered 57 per cent of the total votes, up from 54 per cent compared to the August state election last year.
“This is despite a drop in voter turnout this time of around seven to eight per cent, which shows the Unity coalition’s efficient work on the ground.
“Similarly, the approach of identifying targeted voters in the by-election can be used as a lesson for possible future elections,” he said.
According to the Election Commission’s (EC) results, Pang secured victory in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election with a handsome majority of 3,869 votes or a total of 14,000 votes.
PN’s Khairul Azhari Saut garnered 10,131 votes, while Parti Rakyat Malaysia’s Hafizah Zainuddin recorded 152 votes, and Independent candidate Nyau Ke Xin earned 188 votes.
Although the majority is slightly lower than the 4,119 votes in the state polls in August last year, percentage-wise, the figure is higher in this by-election at 15.81 per cent, compared to 15.07 per cent.
[caption id="attachment_356392" align="aligncenter" width="824"]
The Unity Government's candidate for the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election Pang Sock Tao (centre left) speaks during the Unity Government's victory after the confirmation of the results, at Bangunan Umno Hulu Selangor in Kuala Kubu Baharu, Hulu Selangor, on May 11, 2024. — Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
Honouring Lee Kee Hiong’s legacy
In her victory speech, Pang, also fondly known as Xiao Tao, expressed gratitude for the hard work of Harapan and BN volunteers on the ground, which ensured the coalition’s victory.
She also pledged to honour Lee’s legacy and work as a representative of all communities, regardless of their racial or religious background.
“I would also like to thank the late Lee Kee Hiong for her dedication and service, as well as her husband, who has given his full support.
“I will do my best to listen to the people and resolve their problems to ensure the prosperity of all,’’ Pang said.
According to the EC, voter turnout was 61.51 per cent out of the total 40,226 eligible voters.
The May 11 Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election was triggered following its former state assemblyman’s death on March 21, after her years-long battle with cancer.
During the State Election last year, Lee won the seat with a 4,119 majority, garnering 14,862 votes in total, against PN’s Teoh Kien Hong (10,743 votes), Muda’s R. Siva Prakash (1,186 votes), and PRM’s Ch’ng Boon Lai (527 votes).
She first won the seat in 2013 and successfully defended it for three consecutive terms.
